Parma sporting director PietroLeonardi has insisted that the club will operate as normal despite their exclusion from the Europa League.

The Crociati have been refused a UEFAlicence from the FIGC after an unpaid tax bill. Since the announcement, President TomassoGhirardi has confirmed that he will put the club up for sale and has admitted that players are likely to leave.

But the board member has claimed that the EnnioTardini outfit will keep pushing forward despite the setbacks.

“After the resignation of the President it would be easy to jack everything in,” he told a Press conference.

“But that is not in our nature. I think we have to act right now. Parma Calcio is here and continues to operate for the fans.

“Despite the bitterness we feel we are a club and a city made up of good people.

“This is a healthy club with enviable players. The President’s reaction is understandable – but this club is not bankrupt. Far from it!

“We have a solid foundation. I hear that players are for sale – but that is absolutely false. We have to redouble our strength so that we can fight this injustice and go again.”